What does DHEA-S measure?
DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is the stable, sulfated reservoir of DHEA produced by the adrenal cortex. It is the standard marker of adrenal androgen output and declines steadily with age. It is read alongside cortisol, testosterone, and SHBG.
Full answer
DHEA-S is the sulfated, longer-lived form of DHEA — an adrenal androgen precursor that can be converted to testosterone and estrogens in peripheral tissues. Because DHEA-S has a long serum half-life and stable diurnal level, it is the practical marker of adrenal androgen output (DHEA itself is pulsatile and harder to interpret). DHEA-S peaks in the 20s and declines roughly 2% per year, which is why age- and sex-specific reference ranges matter. Low DHEA-S in a symptomatic patient can inform — but does not by itself drive — the optimization plan; it is read alongside total and free testosterone, SHBG, cortisol, and clinical context. Repletion is provider-reviewed, individualized, and not appropriate for everyone.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- DHEA-S — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29